The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-11-23
Crocheted Nuts and Caps.

Perhaps there is no one thing that so much
delights the little girl as to have muff of her
very own unless it is to be the proud possessor
of parasol. To be sure, she never knows just
exactly what to do with either. The parasol is
always held in direction in which the sun is
not, and the muf is rarely used as receptacle
for the little hands. But the baby wants them,
all the same. and feels an exaltation of dignity
in their possession which nothing else can
supply. Considering the uselesSnesS OF the
muff, few mothers of moderate means feel like
expanding the Sc or 81 necessary to purchase
one of real fur. however much they may be in
clined to indulge little 1nisSy's whims. These
mothers, and there are thousands of them, will
be glad of the following directions for crochet
ing pretty little muff of zephyr. which: when
ornamented with ribbon bows is tasteful and
warm and comfortable as fur.
1t is very simply constructed in afghan stitch
with raised loops The latter are worked in the
row going back by crocheting four chains be-
tween every two loops the needle. taking
care to alternate the loops in the successive
rows to avoid row-y effect. The loops in the
muff do not extend entirely across. but are used
only as border at either end: This. however,
is only matter of taste and the whole muf
may be worked with loops if desired
Begin with chain of 80 stitches and work SO
even rows. with or 6 rows of loops at either
end, according to the width of the border de-
sired. Join the end, line with thick layers of
cotton batting stiffened with crossbarred crino-
line placed between the layers. and silk of any
favored color. A rather large bow Of ribbon in
the center of the muf, and little at either
end where the cord to suspend 1T from the neck
is put on. is a pretty trimming White wool
makes dainty muff, but soils easily. Chin
chlla gray looks well and wears better, and
when set off by bright ribbons is quite pretty,
or prettjer, than white.
With this little muff no sort of head-gear is
more appropriate than cap of the same wool
and worked in the same manner The brirn of
the cap is four inches high in front and three
and a. quarter inches high in the back, and
nineteen inches long Begin at the back and
cast on IA stitches. In the first row tie first
loop is worked after the first 2 stitches, and fol-
lowed by 5 other loops. Then work shorter
rows of 10 stitches and four loops each; then
rows of II stitches and loops each. Now re-
turn to the original number of stitches; work
II rows with loops; rows with z loops; IA
rows with loops, and 10 rows with 9loops. In
crease always at the left side of the needle las
the right side of the work is held toward youl
by winding the wool once over the needle be-
tween the last two stitches. This is. them the
upper side of the brin. half of which is now
finished. Work the other half in reversed Or
der.
The crown of the cap is oval in shape, six and
one-half inches long and five wide. The center
part is in plain afghan STITCH the edge is worked
with the loops Begin at the back by casting
on 10 stitches, which are increased stitches.
one at either end. in the second third and
fourth rows. which will bring the number up to
16. These rows are all worked with loops The
fifth and seventh rows increase in the same
manner leach stitchesl. The plain center be-
gins at the fifth row. where it comprises stitches,
in the sixth and 10 in the seventh row, the
stitches each side of these being made with
loops Crochet evenly, without increasing.
twenty third rows decrease stitches each
side. The plain center is now complete. Now
crochet additional rows with loops, decreasing
in the first at either end and in the last between
every loop. Tack the brim and crown on white
crinoline cut the shape. close the brim at
the back, and join the two parts with invisible
stitches. Line with silk and trim with hand
some full bow of ribbon to match the muf
trimming. two or three worsted pompons
placed a little to one side
A pretty worsted trimming to be usedin place
of the loops the little muf and cap. or. in
fact, any worsted garment. is made over long
firm hair-pin of copper wire. Wind the wool
round and round the hair-pin until it shall be
full. then with needle and strong thread pro-
coed to fasten the center with chain stitches.
Push that which is fastened off the forked end
of the hair-pin and proceed as before, until a
sufficient length shall have been made. This
trimming twists round and round when fin
ished and looks very like astrakan when sew
eral rows are placed side by side. 1t is effect
lively used on childrens cloth coats and caps.
as well as on knitted crocheted ones, while
border for little hoods it is unexcelled by
any other.